Prevent Over Heating
Your car radiator is one of the most important operating components of your car. Responsible for keeping your engine at a safe operating temperature, a leaking or blocked radiator can cause costly cylinder head repairs & leave you on the side of the road.
Radiator problems can often develop without you even knowing it, with small particles of dirt and rust clogging up the radiator tubes, preventing the radiator from being able to cool your engine properly. If this happens, your vehicle will over heat, potentially leaving you stranded. The best way to avoid such problems is with regular routine maintenance and service. Being vigilant will help you catch minor radiator problems before they become major ones.
What to Check When it comes to Maintaining your Radiator & Cooling System
Thermostat – Overheating can often damage a good thermostat. If the engine has overheated because of another problem, the thermostat should be tested or replaced.
Cooling system leaks – Loss of coolant because of a leak is probably the most common cause of overheating. Possible leak points include hoses, the radiator, heater core, water pump, thermostat housing, head gasket, automatic transmission oil cooler.
Fan – With mechanical fans, most overheating problems are caused by faulty freewheeling fan clutches. Most electric fan problems are fan motors & relays.
Water pump – Any movement in the water pump shaft or a leak would call for replacement of the pump. In some instances, a pump can cause an engine to overheat if the impeller vanes are badly eroded due to corrosion or if the impeller has come loose from the shaft.
Belts & Hoses – Check belt tension and condition. A loose belt that slips may prevent the water pump from circulating coolant fast enough and the fan from turning fast for proper cooling. Any belts with cracks or pieces missing should be replaced immediately. The condition of the hoses should also be checked. Recommend new hoses if the old ones are over 5 years old or soft and corrosion build up on them.
Radiator – The most common problems radiators have are clogging (both internal and external) and leaks. Dirt, bugs and grass can block air flow through the core and reduce the radiator’s ability to dissipate heat. Internal corrosion and an accumulation of deposits can likewise inhibit coolant circulation and reduce cooling.
At Andrew McClure Mechanical we can service all your cooling system needs, from hose replacement to new radiators & thermostats.
